GAINESVILLE-

There could be some expensive changes in the works for a parking permit if you live near the University of Florida.

Gainesville city commissioners are discussing the possibility of increasing the price for the permits.

The increase would depend on where you live and the parking availability in your area.

"I certainly don't want to pay $240 a year to park in front of my house," said Sheila Payne.

 Payne of Gainesville lives a couple of blocks from the University of Florida.

She currently pays $19.50 a year to park on the street in front of her home since she does not have a driveway, but now Payne worries she and her neighbors may have to cough up more cash to park on the street.

"Why are they going to penalize the students also for having a place near the university where they are leaving their car," said Payne.

Last year public works staff conducted a review on the city's parking permit.

City Commissioner Thomas Hawkins said the staff gave a couple of recommendations including moving the permit program from online to in person and increasing the permit pricing, depending on the zone

Hawkins said the area of Southwest Gainesville to the East of the university campus is where theres a shortage of parking spaces.

"Where the problem is really acute, we have talked about everything from the current price of $19.50 all the way up to $240." said Hawkins.

He said they discovered that commuters are fraudulently getting their hands on these parking permits.

Check out this facebook post. A student searching for a parking permit even thought she does not live in the area.

The student is even willing to pay an extra $40 to get the decal.

In this Craiglist ad the person asking someone to allow them to use their address to get a decal.

"The problem that the fraud creates is that in a couple of our parking zones we sell a whole lot more permits than there are parking spaces available. The end result is that people who live there can't find parking near their houses," said Hawkins.

Hawkins said the price increase won't affect everyone.

"If you live in a parking zone where you can find parking near your house, don't expect us to change the price," said Hawkins.

Hawkins said there will be a meeting in March to talk about the pricing of the permits.